How to fix language or edition not supported on Windows 10 using Media Creation Tool

If you're having problems upgrading to the latest version of Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool, this guide outlines two ways to get around this issue.

Windows 10 language or edition problem using Media Creation Tool
Windows 10 language or edition problem using Media Creation Tool

When trying to upgrade to a new version of Windows 10, or you’re jumping from a previous version (Windows 8.1 or Windows 7), using the Media Creation Tool, you may come across “The language or edition of the version of Windows currently installed on your PC isn’t supported by this tool” error message.

If you get this error message, and you’re sure that your device meets the hardware and software requirements, you can try to upgrade downloading the Windows 10 ISO file, or you can create a USB bootable media using the Media Creation Tool on another computer that you can use to perform an in-place upgrade.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to prevent language or edition errors when trying to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10.

How to upgrade Windows 10 using USB flash drive

If you’re getting “The language or edition of the version of Windows currently installed on your PC isn’t supported by this tool” message, use another computer to create a USB bootable media using these steps:

  1. Download the Media Creation Tool from this Microsoft Support website. (Use the Download tool now option.)

    Quick Tip: If you don’t know which version of Windows you have, open the Run command, type cmd press Enter; then type control system command, and hit Enter. Under System type, you’ll see your software architecture: 32- or 64-bit.
  2. Double-click the MediaCrationToolxxxx.exe file to launch the tool.

  3. Click the Accept button.

  4. Select the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option.

  5. Click the Next button.

  6. Select the correct language, edition, and architecture if different from the default selection.

  7. Select the USB flash drive option.

  8. Click the Next button.

  9. Select the USB flash drive from the list, but make sure that it doesn’t have any important files as this process will erase everything on it.

  10. Click the Next button.

  11. Click the Finish button.

Once you’ve completed the steps, connect the USB flash drive to the device that you want to upgrade, and go through the installation process one more time.

How to upgrade Windows 10 using an ISO file

If the Media Creation Tool is the problem, or you don’t have a second PC, then you can download the Windows 10 ISO file directly from the Microsoft servers, and then use it to perform the installation with these steps:

  1. Download the Windows 10 ISO without using the Media Creation Tool.

  2. Right-click the ISO file, select Open with, and select the Windows Explorer option.

    Quick Tip: If you don’t have a third-party app to manage file compression, such as 7Zip, you can simply double-click the ISO file.
  3. On the left pane of File Explorer, click on the mounted drive.

  4. Double-click the Setup file to begin the Windows 10 installation.

  5. On “Get important updates,” select the Not right now option.

  6. Click Next.

  7. Click the Accept button.

  8. Click the Install button if you’re upgrading to a new version and you want to keep your files and apps.

    Quick Tip: If you’re looking to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 10 with the latest feature update, click the Change what to keep link, select the Nothing option, click the Next button, and then click the Install button.

After completing the steps, you should be able to upgrade your device without stumbling upon “The language or edition of the version of Windows currently installed on your PC isn’t supported by this tool” message.

Alternatively, you can also use the free Rufus tool to create a USB bootable media with the ISO file to upgrade or perform a clean installation of Windows 10.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.